Research Fellow - Enhanced Atomic Co-magnetometry for Intertial Sensing

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2025

Closes: 1^st October 2023

Background

We are looking for a prospective postdoctoral researcher who has a genuine interest in quantum mechanics and in the experimental physics of atomic gases. The successful candidate will join the Cold Atoms group at the University of Birmingham and lead the lab activities towards the realization and characterization of new optically pumped atomic co-magnetometers. In particular, the research aims at exploiting few stable spatial diffusive modes of the atomic gases, differential, and self-adjusting operations, to improve sensitivity in the detection of the atoms’ gyroscopic precession and for fundamental Physics measurements. The project benefits from the collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory, and will develop synergies with other experiments within the Cold Atoms group. The successful candidate is also expected to play an active role in these collaborations.

Main Duties

• To initiate, undertake and direct original research into the development of optically pumped co-magnetometers for inertial sensing and fundamental Physics measurements
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• To support and lead research within the group to solve problems, collaborate and innovate in scientific directions for the group
• To provide leadership on broader scientific skills within the group (at all levels) including mentoring students, leading on administrative/organisational tasks and helping to develop writing and presentation skills 
• To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the projects as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group
• To attend national and international conferences giving poster and oral presentations to discuss results of own and others’ research 
• To write papers and publish results of own research for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals and draft grant proposals 
• To play an active role in the research group, participating in all group meetings and activities
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement by participating in collaborative meetings, both academic and industrial from yours and others’ research, and work with the project collaborators
• Analyse and interpret data

Person Specification

• PhD (or one near to completion) in Physics
• Extensive research experience and scholarship in atomic and quantum physics
• Experience with lasers, spectroscopy and magnetic shields
• Good programming skills, ideally in Python 
• Proven experience with optically pumped magnetometers 
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Desirable expertise in some or all of the below areas:

• Previous experience in Atomic Magnetometry or Atom-Light interactions 
• Good 3D design skills (CAD)
• Familiar with simulation software such ANSYS, COMSOL, MATHEMATICA

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Vera Guarrera, email: v.guarrera@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 4694 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above ‘Apply’ button.

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